2008 Conservation Awards

Judges' comments

Ngatuhoa Lodge Outdoor Education Society:

The Ngatuhoa Lodge has been operational in the lower Kaimai ranges for many years filling an extremely valuable role introducing young people to the magic of the outdoors and New Zealand’s natural history. While this history alone is deserving of praise the Lodge society has not been prepared to rest on its laurels and over the past few years has charted a clear path of development so it can deliver much more. Building extensions, installation of a plant propagation shade house and taking responsibility for maintaining a local Department of Conservation track have added to the scope of lodge activities. Further upgrade work is planned and the judges are confident this organization is well poised for even more exciting developments in the next few years.Accordingly, the BOP Conservation Board and Department of Conservation ACKNOWLEDGE Ngatuhoa Lodge Outdoor Education Society for its contribution to conservation success.

Youth Development Pou Whakaaro:

Youth Development Pou Whakaaro has taken on a challenging task in its ambition to provide meaningful environmental education to youth with disability and combine it with a valuable contribution to conservation outcomes. It is a complex concept being delivered in a straight-forward manner with Pou Whakaaro clients working to weed and replant a number of wetlands in the Whakatane District, notably at Awaiti and Matata. At this stage the project is in its infancy but showing great promise. In time it will undoubtedly have much more to show for its efforts both for conservation of important wetlands and in the personal development of those youth it seeks to help. Accordingly, the BOP Conservation Board and Department of Conservation ACKNOWLEDGE Youth Development Pou Whakaaro for its contribution to conservation success

Mary Parkinson:

A butterfly house and garden, the brainchild of Mary Parkinson, could fit nowhere better than the whimsical wonderland of the Te Puna Quarry Park, a place where almost anything goes and everything amazes. But the butterfly house is more than whimsy, providing protection from predator wasps and mantids and allowing native Red and Yellow Admirals and Monarch butterflies to complete their lifecycles unmolested. Tagging and tracking of butterflies adds to the educational value of the project and significantly contributes to environmental advocacy through its appeal to the many school groups who visit the project. Accordingly, the BOP Conservation Board and the Department of Conservation ACKNOWLEDGE Mary Parkinson for her contribution to conservation success.

Wai-Ora Experiences:

As the sole concessionaire for Mokoia Island in the centre of Lake Rotorua, Wai-Ora Experiences takes its obligations to biosecurity extremely seriously and stepped up requirements above those demanded by the island’s trustees. Wai-Ora has also embarked on a long-term project to restore the vegetation in the very sensitive Hell’s Gate geothermal area. Both are examples of the company’s commitment to working towards a sustainable future which values kaitiakitanga and educates about the inter-relationship of people, land and ecosystems. These are very long term projects which the judges are certain they will see and hear much more of in years to come. Accordingly, the BOP Conservation Board and the Department of Conservation ACKNOWLEDGE Wai-Ora Experiences for its contribution to conservation success.

Radioworks (Tauranga) Ltd:

For the past two years a Sea Festival promoting messages about marine conservation has drawn a range of non-profit organizations and hundreds of people to the Mount Maunganui beach for a day of celebration. On each occasion Radioworks Tauranga, through their More FM and The Breeze channels, have pumped in both advertising and hands-on support in the form of an event Master of Ceremonies, a free barbecue and through staff time. Without this support the event would not be financially viable for the organizations involved and achieving an outcome which saw 90% of surveyed participants able to cite two ways to protect the marine environment would never have been realized. Accordingly, the BOP Conservation Board and Department of Conservation COMMEND Radioworks (Tauranga) Ltd for its contribution to conservation success.

Ngongotaha Bush Restoration Trust :

Tackling the restoration of a highly public icon property requires being very committed and working effectively to combine the disparate interests of private, public and iwi property owners to achieve the objective. It also requires patience and an understanding that strategy and time will be the most important ingredients. Ngongotaha Bush Restoration Trust has stepped onto that trail and so far made impressive progress through purchasing land for the project and undertaking pest control. In just three years it has already made a difference and it is clearly playing an important role in providing access to and advocacy for native forest within an urban setting. The judges expect the full fruition of this protect to be revealed in the next few years and are excited by that prospect. Accordingly, the BOP Conservation Board and Department of Conservation COMMEND Ngongotaha Bush Restoration Trust for its contribution to conservation success.

Radio Bay of Plenty (1XX) Ltd:

From coastal Whakatane to the hills of Ruatahuna, the support of 1XX for conservation projects is impressive. Whether it’s sponsorship for Seaweek, Conservation Week and Arbor Day, or pushing out the messages that keep kiwi safe in the Whakatane Kiwi Project, IXX has been a constant and reliable partner in the battle to save, protect and enjoy our natural heritage for many, many years. Though privately-owned and with comparatively fewer resources than the bigger players in the industry, 1XX throws its energy and enthusiasm into the conservation in a way that shows it not only cares about the cause but also about the community in which conservation must inevitably take place. Accordingly, the BOP Conservation Board and Department of Conservation are proud to present Radio Bay of Plenty (1XX) Ltd with an AWARD for outstanding contribution to conservation success.

Ohiwa Reserves Care Group:

With three different coastal sites, including Whangakopikopiko island in Ohiwa Harbour, pest control, revegetation and public awareness programmes, Ohiwa Reserves Care Group is extremely busy. To share the load they have engaged both Waiotahe Valley School and Upokorehe iwi members. This has resulted in more than 3000 Bay of Plenty endemic Thornton kanuka being propagated and planted on Whangakopikopiko, which is now pest free, and a wide range of shorebirds nesting and fledging young from the sites under the group’s care. The group has tracked its progress with diligent record keeping and makes sure the Opotiki and wider Whakatane community is well aware of the work it is doing. For a very small group within a rural coastal community, it is an outstanding achievement. Accordingly, the BOP Conservation Board and the Department of Conservation are proud to present the Ohiwa Reserves Care Group with an AWARD for its outstanding contribution to conservation success.

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